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Baked Salmon

Baked Salmon

This baked salmon recipe offers a simple, nutritious, and flavorful way to enjoy restaurant-quality fish at home. Featuring fresh salmon fillets seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, it’s an effortless dish that yields tender, flaky, and juicy results every time. Perfect for any occasion, it can be customized with glazes, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets, skin on, fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme), chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C), the ideal temperature to cook the salmon evenly while keeping it moist inside with a lightly crisp exterior.
  2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the olive oil and seasonings adhere better and promotes a desirable texture after baking.
  3. Season the Fish: Drizzle olive oil over the fillets, then add fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently rub these seasonings onto all sides of the salmon for an even and balanced flavor.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped dill, parsley, or thyme on top of the salmon. During baking, the heat will release their natural oils, adding fragrance and vibrant flavor to each bite.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the seasoned fillets on a lined baking sheet or dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork yet remains tender and juicy.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best taste and texture.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness; monitor cooking time closely.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for optimal doneness.
  • Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to redistribute juices.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper or foil to simplify cleanup and prevent sticking.

Nutrition

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